Walkers in Monmouth are once again being invited to take part in a Commemorative Walk to remember the sacrifices made by the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) in World War 1. The walk, from Castle Hill to Troy Gardens, will take place on Sunday 2nd August (leaving at 11.00am prompt) and is being organised by Monmouth Walkers Are Welcome.

Brian Ramsey, Chair of Monmouth Walkers Are Welcome said: “We were delighted that so many people turned out for the inaugural walk in November last year. This year we have moved the walk to the first weekend in August because that is closer to the actual anniversary of the Royal Mons ‘marching off to war’. It therefore made perfect sense to approach the organisers of the Monmouth Festival and ask if we could join forces, especially as they broaden the scope of the Festival to include more diverse community groups.”

The Commemorative Walk also forms part of a successful Armed Forces Community Covenant bid, submitted by Monmouth Walkers Are Welcome, which will eventually see the provision of a Poppy Trail along the route of the 1 mile walk, interpretation panels telling the story of the Royal Mons involvement in WW1 and an art installation.

If you would like to register for the walk, please email bpr1@hotmail.co.uk or add your name to the list in Reception at the Shire Hall in Monmouth.

This photograph shows soldiers of No 1 Siege Company, RMRE (M) arriving at Monmouth Troy railway station in August 1914. During the First World War the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers provided 76 officers and 2113 enlisted men for service on the Western Front, and in Gallipoli, the Middle East and Italy. Medals awarded included 5 Distinguished Service Orders, 8 Military Crosses, 12 Distinguished Conduct Medals and 16 Military Medals.